On the go and no time to finish that story right now? Your News is the place for you to save content to read later from any device. Register with us and content you save will appear here so you can access them to read later.

"It has certainly caused a disruption to the shopping centre because of the aggression."

Beggars frequented the area in front of his pharmacy, often standing outside and approaching customers to ask for money that he believed was then spent on drugs.

"However, what we're seeing is when they get enough money they go straight to their local drug dealer - all they're after is their next buzz."

Mr Spence said cars sometimes visited the area to pick up and drop off beggars, who returned showing signs of drug use.

Salvation Army Napier corps officer major Alister Irwin said he believed the services available to those struggling to make ends meet in Hawke's Bay meant begging wasn't necessary.

"There are enough services available but, having said that, all services would also say that we could do better with more funding and personnel," he said.

"They are prying on the generosity of Napier people."

A sign in an Onekawa business discourages people from giving to beggars. Photo/Duncan Brown

This week the council joined forces with several organisations to launch a campaign to discourage begging on the streets of Napier after receiving daily complaints about the issue, Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said.

Mr Dalton said the Napier City Council received complaints on a daily basis that often involved aggressive behaviour towards shopkeepers, people trying to move beggars along and staff around the city.

"Of course it's a safety issue in terms of aggression but it's also not a good look or feel to walk down the street and see people begging."

Mr Dalton said there was no question that the intentions of beggars were calculated and urged the public to put their money towards resources for those genuinely struggling to make ends meet.

"They tend to work in groups, sharing their proceeds and then proceeding to buy alcohol and drugs, and gambling," he said.

"We're grateful for the fresh focus on this issue and are very keen to help re-educate our community on the realities of begging. We understand how tempting it is to give a few dollars to people on the street, but there are far better ways to give, for good," she said.

"I would just like to see this cleaned up for the feel of the city," Mr Dalton said.